Fermented cabbage, beet and carrots (rainbow sauerkraut recipe) (2024)

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Fermented cabbage, beet and carrots (rainbow sauerkraut recipe) (1)

I love playing around with different ferments. My family thinks it’s weird but that’s okay. I have a slaw recipe that I learned from a friend from Kenya and I wondered what it would taste like as lacto-fermented sauerkraut. It’s tastes great.

My family isn’t big slaw or sauerkraut. When I make this slaw I have to be careful to only make what I can eat in a few days. But since it ferments just fine I can make a bigger batch and keep in the refrigerator for several weeks. It might last longer than that but I go through the batch in just a couple of weeks.

We call it rainbow kraut since it’s not really sauerkraut. It’s fermented cabbage, both green and red cabbage, with shredded carrots and beets with a bit of chopped apple. Be careful not to put a lot of apple since the sugar in the apple can ferment faster than the vegetables.

I’m not going to give exact measurements because I don’t want you having to grate two and a half carrots to the get measurement that I got from two carrots. Your sauerkraut will turn out just fine without the exact measurements. It’s how people cooked for thousands of years.

Fermented cabbage, beet and carrots (rainbow sauerkraut recipe) (2)

I like to shred the cabbages first

Fermented cabbage, beet and carrots (rainbow sauerkraut recipe) (3)

Then chop them. This really helps to get pretty small pieces.

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I put everything in a large bowl and salt it. I weigh the bowl first and adjust the scale back to zero (with the bowl on it) then I weigh the bowl when it is full. I use 2 tsp salt for every pound of sauerkraut.

Then I use my hands to mix it all together, crushing some of the vegetables as I mix. I cover it with a towel and let it sit for a couple of hours.

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After a couple of hours, I put it in wide mouth canning jars, press it down to make sure there is liquid coming up over the kraut, put the fermenting lids on and set them in a cool dark place for 5-7 days. I really like the Easy Fermenter lids, but also have the Fermentools lids and they also work well as long as no one bumps the airlock.

When they’re done fermenting, I store replace the lids with plastic mason jar lids and store them in the refrigerator.

If you’re new to making and eating fermented foods you’ll want to just eat a few spoonfuls a day at first. The bacteria in homemade fermented sauerkraut is very good for your gut, but too much at once can lead to some temporary tummy issues.

The Herbal Academy has a fantastic fermentation course available. You can learn how to make mead, herbal beer and wine, water kefir, and fermented foods.

I have a set of worksheets I print each year to keep track of what I’ve preserved. You can get the worksheets emailed to you by filling out the form below.

Yield: 2 quarts

Lacto fermented rainbow kraut is a fun and tasty twist on classic sauerkraut.

Prep Time20 minutes

Additional Time5 days

Total Time5 days 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 a head of green cabbage (finely chopped)
  • 1/5 head of purple cabbage (finely chopped)
  • 2 grated carrots
  • 1 grated beet
  • 1 chopped apple (you need a firm apple like gala or pink lady)
  • 2 tsp per pound of vegetables non-iodized salt (I really like Himalayan salt for fermenting)
  • wide mouth quart mason jars
  • fermenting lid

Instructions

    1. Chop the red and green cabbage very fine.
    2. Grate the carrots and beet
    3. Chop the apple
    4. Put all the prepared produce in a large bowl and sprinkle two teaspoons of salt for every pound of produce over it.
    5. Use your hands to mix and gently crush the produce.
    6. Cover with a cloth for several hours.
    7. Put into clean wide mouth jars and put fermenting lidson (or whatever you use for your fermenting).
    8. Put in a cool dark place for 4-5 days. Then remove the lids and put aplastic mason jar lidon.
    9. Store in the refrigerator.
    10. Enjoy!

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Here are some other sauerkraut recipes and ways to incorporate sauerkraut into your meals.

    Sauerkraut with Fennel and Caraway Seeds from Nitty Gritty Life

    Eat Sauerkraut With Pork from Learning and Yearning

    10 Ways to Use Sauerkraut from Homespun Seasonal Living

    How to Store and Care for Vegetable Ferments by Homestead Honey

    Fermented cabbage, beet and carrots (rainbow sauerkraut recipe) (11)

    The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Vegetables

    If you you’re looking for more preserving inspiration, I know you’ll love The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Vegetables. In this book I share how to can, dehydrate, freeze and ferment almost every vegetable. I also share 100 favorite recipes for preserving the vegetables in fun way that will save you time and money later. Get your copy here. Get your copy here.

    Fermented cabbage, beet and carrots (rainbow sauerkraut recipe) (12)

    What have you been fermenting?

    Fermented cabbage, beet and carrots (rainbow sauerkraut recipe) (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the ratio of salt to cabbage for fermented sauerkraut? ›

    The most widely used ratio of 2.00%–2.25% weight of salt to weight of cabbage gives the best results. This means you add 2g to 2.25g of salt for every 100g of finely sliced cabbage in your recipe.

    What kind of cabbage makes the best sauerkraut? ›

    Round cabbage (also called white cabbage or simply cabbage) is the best cabbage for making sauerkraut. The cabbage is dense with smooth leaves and weighs on average around 2 kg. Light green cabbage will give you the best results!

    Can you ferment beets and carrots together? ›

    Dissolve the salt in 1 cup (250 mL) of water in a 1-quart (1 L) jar. It can take a few minutes, so stir it a few times while you prep the carrots and beets. Pack the vegetable sticks into the jar vertically. They should be tight enough that they won't move or float once you add the liquid.

    What happens if you use too much salt when making sauerkraut? ›

    If you use this low an amount, it's imperative to ferment on the cool side.) The more salt, the slower the fermentation and the more acidic your sauerkraut. Use too much salt, though, and you'll inhibit fermentation.

    What kind of salt is best for sauerkraut? ›

    For sauerkraut (or any fermentation application) you want non-iodized salt. Also, you will want to avoid salts which contain anti-caking agents - you want a pure salt with small grains.

    What is the best jar for fermenting cabbage? ›

    Glass Jars (Lever Lid) Glass jars with a lever lid system, such as those from Le Parfait, are an ideal option for fermenting. These jars are specially designed to ensure that the fermentation process runs smoothly. They have a lid attached to the container, which is closed using a lever system.

    What's the difference between German sauerkraut and regular sauerkraut? ›

    In Germany and Austria, cooked sauerkraut is often flavored with juniper berries or caraway seeds; apples and white wine are added in popular variations. In South Tyrol, it is made with Juniper berries, Extra-virgin olive oil and smoked pancetta.

    How many pounds of cabbage does it take to make a gallon of sauerkraut? ›

    Quantity. A 50-pound bag of fresh cabbage makes 16 to 20 quarts of sauerkraut. A 1-gallon stone crock holds 5 pounds of shredded cabbage, and a 5-gallon crock holds 25 pounds.

    What are the benefits of fermented beets and cabbage? ›

    In the case of this Beet and Red Cabbage Sauerkraut, it contains all the detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties that cabbage, beets, ginger, and garlic already offer, but in a more digestion-friendly format.

    Why are my fermented beets slimy? ›

    Lacto-fermentation brines can become slimy, but this phenomenon is harmless. It is caused by harmless bacteria. Possible causes: Fermentation temperature too low or too high.

    Are fermented beets good for high blood pressure? ›

    May boost heart health

    Pickled beets are naturally rich in nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide. This molecule helps blood vessels dilate, which protects against high blood pressure ( 8 ). Research suggests that beet products can lower blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg.

    Do you use vinegar when making sauerkraut? ›

    These are the simple ingredients you'll need to make this homemade sauerkraut recipe:
    1. Water and vinegar: This sauerkraut recipe starts with water and distilled white vinegar.
    2. Vegetables: You'll need a half of an onion and a head of cabbage.
    Jan 9, 2024

    How do you know when sauerkraut is done fermenting? ›

    Fermentation is complete when your sauerkraut tastes pleasantly sour. So, if you've noticed signs of active fermentation, like bubbles, and it smells pleasantly sour, then your sauerkraut is ready for eating. You can also continue to let the cabbage ferment, so it develops a 'rich' flavor.

    Is it okay to use iodized salt for sauerkraut? ›

    Salt: Use non—iodized salt with no added anti—caking agents for best quality. Salt helps form the brine and acts as a preservative. Salt causes the cabbage cells to release fermentable sugars and inhibits growth of undesirable yeasts, molds, and bacteria.

    What percentage of salt is needed for fermented vegetables? ›

    Firm vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, asparagus, beets and carrots and tomatoes require 1.5% to 3% brine, or 15 to 30 grams of salt for each litre of water. Cucumbers, onions and radishes require 5% brine (50 grams per litre), and olives require 10% brine (100 grams per litre), for example.

    Can I use iodized salt for fermenting cabbage? ›

    Iodine tends to inhibit the beneficial bacteria in a cultured vegetable, so we do not recommend using iodized salt for vegetable fermentation. Any container of salt should be clearly labeled if it is iodized (contains iodine). Check for and avoid anti-caking agents, as well.

    What is the brine solution for sauerkraut? ›

    THE PERFECT BRINE

    If your cabbage isn't submerged in about 1cm depth of liquid after 24 hours, add some extra brine. Dissolve 1 tsp salt, (always use pure sea salt), into 250ml water and add, or multiply and add enough to cover the cabbage.

    What is the salt ratio for kimchi? ›

    The process of making kimchi involves brining (salting) the vegetables to draw out the water, which helps in preservation and allows the seasonings to penetrate the food over time; the final salt concentration ranges from 2-5%. Kimchi is typically fermented by 'wild cultures' naturally present on the vegetables.

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